Russia is deploying sophisticated disinformation tactics to undermine the credibility of the 2024 Paris Olympics, targeting the IOC and President Macron. The Microsoft Threat Analysis Center has identified two main objectives: damaging the IOC’s reputation and instilling fear of violence at the Games. Utilizing AI, Russian actors, including Storm-1679 and Storm-1099, have intensified their disinformation efforts since June 2023, posing significant cybersecurity risks to the event.
The disinformation campaign commenced in June 2023 with the release of a fake documentary titled “Olympics Has Fallen” on Telegram, employing deepfakes and impersonating actor Tom Cruise. This coordinated effort involves fabricated endorsements from major media outlets and AI-generated audio, indicating a well-funded and orchestrated operation. The campaign aims to spread fear and disrupt the Paris 2024 Olympics by disseminating fabricated videos imitating reputable news sources, falsely reporting terrorism concerns and high ticket return rates.
In addition to spreading disinformation through fake news websites, the campaign employs phony press releases impersonating government agencies to issue fictitious security warnings, discouraging potential attendees. Storm-1679 has gone further by fabricating threats, posting images of purported anti-Israeli graffiti in Paris and sharing videos referencing the Munich massacre of Israeli athletes. These tactics exploit existing geopolitical tensions to delegitimize the event and influence international relations.
As the Paris Olympics approach, the disinformation campaign is expected to escalate, expanding to target multiple languages and employing automated social media accounts and AI-generated content. The shift from video to bots aims to overwhelm social media platforms and undermine public trust in the IOC and French authorities. Russia’s sophisticated use of disinformation poses significant challenges for event organizers and highlights the broader issue of combating malicious influence operations in the digital age.
